0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:29 > 0:00:30- Hello! I'm Nia Parry.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35- I'm travelling across Wales - looking at famous people's homes.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- Welcome to Adre.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- I'm in North Wales, - between Dolgellau and Bala.
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- The person who lives here - is famous in several fields.
0:00:52 > 0:00:53- She's multitalented.
0:00:54 > 0:00:58- Let's discover - what sort of person lives here.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- Remember, if you need help - to follow the programme...
0:01:06 > 0:01:10- ..take a look at the website - or download the Dal Ati app.
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- Don't forget about the subtitles!
0:01:15 > 0:01:21- Well, I'd say this person spends - a lot of time at this computer.
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- This person is a writer.
0:01:25 > 0:01:26- Look what I found!
0:01:26 > 0:01:29- An Entry Level - Welsh Course handbook.
0:01:29 > 0:01:31- Is this person a Welsh tutor?
0:01:42 > 0:01:46- I'd say the person who lives here - loves to travel.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- This person may have visited Africa, - or even lived there.
0:01:50 > 0:01:52- What do you think?
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- Tri Chognac I Blodwen Jones - sounds like a book title.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- Who's the author? Betham Guinness?
0:02:03 > 0:02:04- Betham Guinness?
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- Another clue?
0:02:13 > 0:02:16- Waking sticks, walking boots - and a bicycle helmet.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- This person - loves to be out in the open air.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29- There's an interesting garden here.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32- Perhaps this person - enjoys gardening.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- They may live in their garden.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41- Have you worked it out?
0:02:42 > 0:02:44- Hats off to her.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49- She's an author, she writes for a - newspaper and she's a TV presenter.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51- It's Bethan Gwanas, of course.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- You watch a clip of her in action - and I'll try to find a cuppa.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- Hello. Mr Bertie Jones?
0:02:59 > 0:03:00- How are you?
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- How are you?- - Hello. How are you?
0:03:02 > 0:03:04- I hear you're the candles champion.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- I hear you're the candles champion.- - I don't know about that.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- Is this how the process starts?
0:03:09 > 0:03:10- Is this how the process starts?- - Yes.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12- Take some scrapings...
0:03:13 > 0:03:15- ..and put them in here.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- As you can see, the wax is melting - and it's running into the bucket.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24- That's this process for you.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- Do you need equipment like this?
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- Do you need equipment like this?- - Yes. You need one of these.
0:03:28 > 0:03:29- How much did this cost?
0:03:29 > 0:03:30- How much did this cost?- - 400.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- Beekeeping is an expensive job.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37- This bucket is full of melted wax, - so what's next?
0:03:37 > 0:03:38- Come with me.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40- Come with me.- - Oh! Right.
0:03:40 > 0:03:42- We're going somewhere else.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50- Bethan lives with Del, her dog, - in a house called Ffrwd Y Gwyllt.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- The house was part - of the old Nannau Estate...
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- ..and it's similar to many of - the houses in the surrounding area.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- She's an author who often - draws inspiration for her books...
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- ..from local people and places.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- The minute I learned to write, - I wrote.
0:04:17 > 0:04:18- Even as a child?
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- Even as a child?- - Yes, as a young child.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- Where most children wrote - three lines under a picture...
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- ..I filled a whole book, according - to my junior school teacher.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- It was in my blood.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- How many books have you written?
0:04:35 > 0:04:36- How many books have you written?- - Just under 30.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- Which is the most popular book? - Your bestseller?
0:04:42 > 0:04:47- As it happens, the novel I wrote - for Welsh learners...
0:04:49 > 0:04:51- ..Bywyd Blodwen Jones.
0:04:52 > 0:04:56- The trials and tribulations - of Blodwen, as she learns Welsh.
0:04:57 > 0:04:59- The research you did - came in handy...
0:05:00 > 0:05:03- ..because you now work - as a Welsh for adults tutor.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08- Is Blodwen Jones - based on a real person?
0:05:08 > 0:05:14- Well, if any one of my characters - is similar to me, it's Blodwen.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- What did you write first?
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- My first book was Amdani, - which is about women playing rugby.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- I wrote it for friends of mine - who never read Welsh books.
0:05:27 > 0:05:32- Did that novel stem from your - experience of the rugby world?
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- I came back from a skiing holiday...
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- ..to hear that - Aberystwyth Women's Rugby Club...
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- ..had challenged Radio Cymru to play - a rugby match for Children In Need.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- I was given the job - of organizing the team.
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- It was only a charity match, - but I was hooked.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53- I wanted more of it.
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- Amdani was published in 1997 - and by Christmas the same year...
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- ..Dyddiadur Gbara - was on the shelves.
0:06:02 > 0:06:07- Dyddiadur Gbara is the diary of - the time you spent living in Gbara.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10- Gbara is in Africa, isn't it?
0:06:10 > 0:06:12- Gbara is in Africa, isn't it?- - Yes. In Nigeria.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15- Having travelled the world...
0:06:15 > 0:06:20- ..have you found that you now - appreciate your home even more?
0:06:21 > 0:06:24- When I was growing up - in this area...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- ..I thought - it had nothing going for it.
0:06:27 > 0:06:32- Then, when I got to 40, I realized - just how beautiful it is.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36- There's a stream - running through your garden.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- The house is called Ffrwd Y Gwyllt, - Stream Of The Woods.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- That stream, which sometimes - turns into a river...
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- ..comes from Y Gwyllt, - which is a wooded area.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Is this house an inspiration to you?
0:06:54 > 0:06:56- Does it help you write?
0:06:56 > 0:06:57- Does it help you write?- - Yes, most definitely.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- I lived in Bethesda - when I wrote Amdani and that helped.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- It was the right place, you know?
0:07:04 > 0:07:08- I'd moved here by the time I wrote - Gwrach Y Gwyllt.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14- Anyone who reads the book - will recognize this house in it!
0:07:14 > 0:07:15- If you go up the road...
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- ..you'll see other houses which - look like Siwsi the witch's house.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24- This area has certainly inspired me.
0:07:25 > 0:07:28- Let's go for a wander - around your lovely home.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- Yes, but as I've been busy cooking, - have a cake first.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- Oh, yes. - That would be nice, thank you.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48- I'd say this room has - a very African theme, Miss Gwanas.
0:07:48 > 0:07:52- Once you've been in Africa, - it's in your blood.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58- I brought a few things back with me, - such as that fulani hat.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00- What's it made of?
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- What's it made of?- - Straw.
0:08:03 > 0:08:05- Get rid of the spider's web!
0:08:05 > 0:08:07- Here you go.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10- It suits you but you can't keep it!
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- It suits you but you can't keep it!- - Back on the wall it goes.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18- I bought the other stuff - in shops and exhibitions.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22- You didn't bring all these - back from Africa in your suitcase?
0:08:23 > 0:08:27- The red thing and the mask - came from the National Eisteddfod.
0:08:29 > 0:08:33- I've noticed something on this - cushion and around the house.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35- Hares.
0:08:35 > 0:08:37- Hares.- - It stems from Gwrach Y Gwyllt.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39- It's a novel about a witch.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- In days gone by, or so they say, - Welsh witches turned into hares.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- I did lots of research during - the time when I wrote the book...
0:08:49 > 0:08:51- ..and I became obsessed with hares!
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- You started to buy things - which feature pictures of hares!
0:08:55 > 0:08:58- I like that picture of a fairy.
0:09:00 > 0:09:01- That was a present.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05- A group of my friends - gathered in Tresaith.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- We went to a restaurant - and on the way to the loo...
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- ..that picture was on the wall.
0:09:12 > 0:09:13- I saw it and said, "Oh!"
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- A friend of mine bought it for me.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18- It suits this space.
0:09:18 > 0:09:19- It suits this space.- - Yes, definitely.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23- There's a strong theme here - - fairies and witches.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24- Magic.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38- I really like your kitchen.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Those lovely doors - open out into the garden.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- Do you often leave them open?
0:09:47 > 0:09:48- Do you often leave them open?- - Yes - all summer long.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53- When I bought this house, there was - a window there and a sink there.
0:09:53 > 0:09:55- The door was over here.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- I know this pretty little girl - in this picture.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03- It's a picture of Del, your dog.
0:10:04 > 0:10:05- It's really accurate.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09- There she is, in her little bed.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- It's a lovely kitchen.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- We head upstairs and pause to look - at the pictures on the landing wall.
0:10:28 > 0:10:29- Oh! Who's this?
0:10:29 > 0:10:30- Oh! Who's this?- - Dad.
0:10:31 > 0:10:34- Your father is a famous singer.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- He was, in his day, - but he's getting on now.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43- He still sings in a choir but he - says he won't sing solos any more.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46- Can you sing, like your dad?
0:10:48 > 0:10:50- I don't need to answer that!
0:10:50 > 0:10:51- I refuse to answer!
0:10:52 > 0:10:54- Of course I can't sing!
0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Ah! That's a nice picture.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- That was taken in the Sahara.
0:11:00 > 0:11:01- The light is nice. You look happy.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02- The light is nice. You look happy.- - I was.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- Is this your family?
0:11:05 > 0:11:10- Yes. All my nieces and nephews apart - from Mabon, who hadn't arrived!
0:11:12 > 0:11:14- One of them - wrote this for Anti Bethan.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- Brown hair with strands of gold - Tasty chocolate fingers
0:11:19 > 0:11:25- Colourful eyes which always shine - Anti Bethan has seen the world.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29- She meant to write - 'Anti Bethan means the world to me.'
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- I thought - you'd have a library in the house.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- What's your favourite Welsh book?
0:11:40 > 0:11:44- At the moment, it's Awst Yn Anogia - by Gareth F Williams.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47- I edited the book - but I have to say it's good.
0:11:48 > 0:11:52- It's a thick book - and you've got to concentrate.
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- It's an epic novel.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57- What makes a good story?
0:11:59 > 0:12:01- Good characters. That's crucial.
0:12:01 > 0:12:03- Believable characters?
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- Believable characters?- - Yes. They must be believable.
0:12:05 > 0:12:10- Even with a witch and a fairy, you - make their personality believable.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17- I enjoy a story - which engulfs me, emotionally.
0:12:19 > 0:12:22- If a book - can make me cry and laugh...
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- And a book which stops me - going to sleep.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- I think, "Oh, one more page."
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- The books which you read like this.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- The books which you read like this.- - And you can't wait to read it again.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- Yes, and when you get close - to the end of a good book...
0:12:40 > 0:12:45- ..you read slower because - you want to savour that enjoyment.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- Join me after the break...
0:12:54 > 0:12:58- ..to find out how Bethan - likes to spend her Sundays.
0:12:59 > 0:12:59- .
0:13:05 > 0:13:05- Subtitles
0:13:05 > 0:13:07- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- Welcome back. Today, I'm at home - with Bethan Gwanas.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23- She's an author but she also - presents gardening shows...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- ..such as Byw Yn Yr Ardd - and Tyfu Pobl.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- A wild garden is very apt - for a house called Ffrwd Y Gwyllt.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38- Are you really a keen gardener?
0:13:38 > 0:13:41- How much time do you spend here?
0:13:41 > 0:13:45- I spend a lot of time here. - Everything you see is my work.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- I haven't got time to faff around.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Ffaffian - faff around. - A good Welsh word!
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- If a plant lives, it lives. - If a plant dies, it dies.
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- If snails or slugs take a liking - to it, there's no point.
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- What are your favourite plants - or flowers?
0:14:05 > 0:14:08- I like things - which have nice fragrances.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- The tree at the far end gives off - a lovely fragrance in the evening...
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- ..at a certain time of the year.
0:14:16 > 0:14:21- You come out here on the weekend - with your cuppa and do some weeding.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25- What else do you enjoy doing - on the weekend?
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- In the winter, - I go out on the bike with Del.
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- Before breakfast?
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- Before breakfast?- - Yes.
0:14:33 > 0:14:36- You're more likely to see blue skies - in the morning.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- It's a nice way to start the day.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41- It's a nice way to start the day.- - Yes, so Del and I go off.
0:14:41 > 0:14:43- I have breakfast after we come home.
0:14:44 > 0:14:45- Have you got a spare bike?
0:14:45 > 0:14:46- Have you got a spare bike?- - Yes.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48- Let's go for a ride.
0:14:55 > 0:15:01- Having crossed the river, our first - stop was Dolgamedd camping site.
0:15:03 > 0:15:04- Oh, this is nice.
0:15:04 > 0:15:08- Your parents own this caravan park. - Do you work here too?
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- The whole family helps out.
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- We get called in to clean toilets - and showers, to book people in...
0:15:17 > 0:15:19- ..and to settle arguments.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- People do argue when two tents - are too close to each other.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- "He's too close to me!"
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- There's a camp site and people - can bring tourers here too.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- These are the statics, the - long stay caravans are over there...
0:15:39 > 0:15:41- ..and we have a camping site.
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- Does this place keep you busy - all summer?
0:15:45 > 0:15:50- Yes, it's busy in the summer and - it's really hectic here over Easter.
0:15:51 > 0:15:52- On we go.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- This is your original home.
0:16:09 > 0:16:10- Gwanas farm.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14- Yes. My grandparents lived here.
0:16:14 > 0:16:19- They moved here from Cwm Hafod Oer, - which is on the way to Machynlleth.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- They moved here - during the hard winter of 1947.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26- My father was raised here.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30- My grandfather retired - when I was nine years old...
0:16:31 > 0:16:33- ..and we moved here.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- I loved it.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- I'd say this is - a really nice place to grow up.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- Now then, - you call yourself Bethan Gwanas.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47- Yes, but my passport says - I'm Bethan Evans.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- My grandparents were known as - Llew Gwanas and Annie Gwanas.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- There were lots of Bethans - at school...
0:16:56 > 0:17:00- ..and everyone's either Evans - or Jones around here.
0:17:00 > 0:17:05- There were several Bethan Evanses - but only one Bethan Gwanas.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- Bethan Evans rhymes - but it creates a hard sound.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Bethan Gwanas is different.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- Bethan Gwanas - sounds better to the Welsh ear.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- What memories do you have - of growing up on Gwanas?
0:17:25 > 0:17:27- Freedom. Adventure.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- Climbing trees.
0:17:30 > 0:17:31- Falling into the river.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- You sped around on your bike, - just like this!
0:17:49 > 0:17:53- A very important man - called Ieuan Gwynedd lived here...
0:17:54 > 0:17:55- ..in Ty Croes Isaf.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- As you can see, - he only lived to be 31 years old...
0:18:00 > 0:18:05- ..but in his short life, he did - great things for the women of Wales.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11- People from England came here to - look at the Welsh education system.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16- They decided it just wasn't good - enough and that we were all animals.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19- They even questioned - Welsh women's morals.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- Ieuan Gwynedd worked hard - to defend us...
0:18:22 > 0:18:27- ..and he was the editor of - a publication called Y Gymraes.
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- Thank you, Ieuan Gwynedd, - the father of Welsh feminism.
0:18:43 > 0:18:49- This is the village of Rhyd-y-main, - so where's your house from here?
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- That way, towards Dolgellau.
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- I live half way between Brithdir - and Rhyd-y-main.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59- What a pretty village.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- Yes, and Emlyn Williams - noticed its beauty.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- In 1949, he came here - to film The Last Days of Dolwyn.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- The Last Days Of Dolwyn? - What's it about?
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- In the film, - this village was called Dolwyn.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19- The Last Days because - it was about to be flooded.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- This was before Tryweryn but - they'd already created Lake Vyrnwy.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Emlyn not only directed the film, - he also acted in it.
0:19:28 > 0:19:30- He played the villain.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- Do you know who played the hero? - Richard Burton.
0:19:35 > 0:19:37- It was his first film role.
0:19:37 > 0:19:39- He was a handsome young man.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43- Where next, Bethan?
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- Let's climb a bit more, - as it's sunny.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- I think we've earned this.
0:19:59 > 0:20:02- You cycle this way - every morning with Del?
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- We go out every morning, - on one of various routes.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- I spend my time - chained to my computer...
0:20:09 > 0:20:15- ..and I work better if I've had - some fresh air in the morning.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17- It's glorious.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- Here we have Gau Graig, Mynydd Mawr - in the clouds, Pen Y Gader...
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- ..and then on to Cregennan Lakes, - the most beautiful place in Wales.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- Cregennan Lakes?
0:20:29 > 0:20:31- Cregennan Lakes?- - Yes.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35- Two lakes and - there's an island in one of them.
0:20:36 > 0:20:37- Don't tell anyone!
0:20:37 > 0:20:38- Don't tell anyone!- - Don't come here, OK?
0:20:39 > 0:20:40- It's our secret!
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- I enjoyed our cycle ride - but it's nice to sit down and relax.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- I've really enjoyed my day with you.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Before I leave you in peace...
0:21:06 > 0:21:11- ..I'd like to know what three things - you'd save if there was a fire here.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15- First, my desk.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- It's really special to me.
0:21:18 > 0:21:24- The wood came from a chestnut tree - felled by my brother on our land.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27- I wanted a desk to fit that space...
0:21:27 > 0:21:33- ..so I asked the late John Pugh, - the excellent carpenter, to do it.
0:21:33 > 0:21:37- He crafted the Urdd Eisteddfod chair - last year...
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- ..but he became ill and - another carpenter had to take over.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- John Pugh was a really special man.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- My desk is an example - of the great John Pugh's work.
0:21:48 > 0:21:54- You've written many books - and articles at that desk.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58- That's your special spot.
0:21:59 > 0:22:00- Yes.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02- The desk. What else?
0:22:02 > 0:22:06- As you know, - I'm fond of African things.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11- Feel the weight of this.
0:22:13 > 0:22:14- Wow! That's heavy.
0:22:15 > 0:22:16- Hello!
0:22:16 > 0:22:19- I don't think this is valuable.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21- I didn't pay much for it.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- Look at all the work - that's gone into it.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- These cowrie shells - were used as money.
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- They're shells?
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- The face is metal - and the body is made of ebony.
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- So much work has gone into it.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- I'd be heartbroken if this burned.
0:22:42 > 0:22:46- You'd need good muscles - to carry it out in a fire!
0:22:46 > 0:22:48- Yes.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- This isn't valuable either.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- Why are you scared of this?
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- It's like the opening sequence - of a horror film.
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- She comes alive at night!
0:23:00 > 0:23:02- Sorry, Del.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04- She isn't keen on this doll either.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07- I frighten children with this!
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- What have you been up to, Nia?
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- Del doesn't like her!
0:23:14 > 0:23:15- Del doesn't like her!- - Neither do I, Del!
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- I'd prefer her to be more glamorous, - but look at her clothes!
0:23:20 > 0:23:22- They're fantastic.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- That's an old family brooch.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- I pinned that onto her hat.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- There's something about that.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- That's what inspired - the Gwrach Y Gwyllt novel.
0:23:33 > 0:23:34- Yes.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- Thank you, Bethan and Del, - for the warm welcome.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- I really don't want to leave - your cosy little home.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- I had a lovely time with Bethan.
0:23:52 > 0:23:57- Join me next time, when I'll be - at home with another famous face.
0:23:57 > 0:23:58- Until then, goodbye.
0:23:59 > 0:23:59- .
0:24:06 > 0:24:06- Subtitles
0:24:06 > 0:24:08- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:24:15 > 0:24:18- I'm Paul Cottrell - and I live in Cowbridge.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20- I come from Birmingham originally.
0:24:25 > 0:24:30- I work as a surveyor - for Bridgend County Council.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36- I've lived in Cowbridge - for ten years.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45- I heard a friend say nos da...
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- ..and I thought, - "Wow! That's Welsh!"
0:24:50 > 0:24:56- I wanted to learn more about the - language from that point onwards.
0:24:57 > 0:25:02- I then heard about a taster course - they were running in my workplace...
0:25:04 > 0:25:09- ..then I did an entry level course - at Bridgend College.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- It was difficult to learn Welsh...
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- ..but I like - the sound of the language.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- I play guitar and sing...
0:25:32 > 0:25:36- ..in a band called The Brwmys.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40- Brwmys isn't a Welsh word.
0:25:43 > 0:25:46- Dave and I come from Birmingham...
0:25:46 > 0:25:52- ..and we thought the Brummies - sounded like The Brwmys.
0:25:52 > 0:25:53- I'm not sure!
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- We play folk music...
0:26:02 > 0:26:06- ..and world music, - like Arabic bhangra.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11- I sing in English and in Arabic.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- I also sing in Gujarati - but not in Welsh.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19- I hope to sing in Welsh - in the future.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39- She works in the attic - in her house...
0:26:39 > 0:26:41- ..and we visited her there.
0:26:42 > 0:26:47- My name is Corrie Chiswell - and I come from Scotland originally.
0:26:47 > 0:26:49- I've lived in Wales for 15 years.
0:26:50 > 0:26:51- I work as an artist.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- I started to learn Welsh...
0:27:01 > 0:27:04- ..around a year - after I moved to Cardiff.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- My husband speaks Welsh, - so I felt I had to learn.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13- If you move to - a different country...
0:27:13 > 0:27:17- ..I think you should - learn the language.
0:27:17 > 0:27:20- My children go to - a Welsh-medium school...
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- ..so I learn with them - and I read books with them.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28- I find I learn more all the time...
0:27:28 > 0:27:31- ..but I feel I'm a long, long way - off being fluent.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- I've done a lot of figure drawing.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42- I rarely struggle to persuade people - to pose naked for me.
0:27:43 > 0:27:48- Some people say they'd never do it - but others are happy to do it.
0:27:51 > 0:27:55- I just have to find that out - when someone comes to sit for me.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59- When I work on a figure drawing...
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- ..the hands and the feet are - the most difficult things to paint.
0:28:07 > 0:28:09- There are so many joints to draw.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- It's difficult to get it right.
0:28:17 > 0:28:21- My favourite picture, - or the one I'm happiest with...
0:28:23 > 0:28:25- ..is one of Manon, my daughter.
0:28:28 > 0:28:33- She's sitting sweetly, holding a - glass ball which looks like a buoy.
0:28:36 > 0:28:40- She's wearing a crown of thorns - on her head, a bit like Jesus.
0:28:40 > 0:28:45- Its title is The Unbearable - Encumbrance Of Being A Princess.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48- That's my favourite picture.
0:28:49 > 0:28:53- The greatest challenge I faced - while learning Welsh...
0:28:55 > 0:28:57- ..was trying not to be shy.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59- After a while, you start to relax.
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- Once you do relax, - you start to talk a lot of Welsh.
0:29:07 > 0:29:11- That was the main thing for me - - to speak Welsh all the time.
0:29:12 > 0:29:17- If someone had told me I'd be - giving an interview in Welsh...
0:29:17 > 0:29:19- ..I would never have believed them.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- It comes, in the end, - and you can do things like this.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28- Doing something like this - is good practise.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- I can be relaxed now.
0:29:33 > 0:29:34- It's a lovely language.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56- My name is Dee and I'm sitting in - the gardens at Newport University...
0:29:56 > 0:29:58- ..on the Caerleon Campus.
0:30:01 > 0:30:03- I work here two days a week.
0:30:12 > 0:30:15- Originally, I lived in New Zealand.
0:30:17 > 0:30:21- After being in New Zealand - for a while, I moved to Australia.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24- I lived in Sydney - and in Queensland...
0:30:25 > 0:30:27- ..then I moved to Perth.
0:30:28 > 0:30:32- Some friends of mine - lived in Wales...
0:30:34 > 0:30:38- ..and I came over to visit them - several times.
0:30:38 > 0:30:40- I became very fond of Wales...
0:30:40 > 0:30:45- ..and I decided I'd come and live - here at some point in the future.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51- I returned to New Zealand...
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- ..but thoughts of Wales - filled my head.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01- Whenever I saw a car - with a Wales flag on it...
0:31:02 > 0:31:04- ..I thought, "Yes! Wales!"
0:31:08 > 0:31:12- It was always in my head - and I wanted to come back.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18- When I decided to move to Wales...
0:31:18 > 0:31:24- ..the first thing which came - to my mind was I had to learn Welsh.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- I was very eager - to live in a country...
0:31:30 > 0:31:33- ..where the people spoke - a different language.
0:31:34 > 0:31:38- I didn't want to miss - the opportunity to speak Welsh.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51- I attended Welsh classes - at Cardiff University.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53- I sat the Intermediate exam.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59- I then found Say Something In Welsh - on the internet.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03- I was very happy to use that - to improve my spoken Welsh.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- I learned a lot about grammar - at the university...
0:32:07 > 0:32:11- ..and I could read and write Welsh - pretty well.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20- I didn't have any confidence - in my spoken Welsh...
0:32:20 > 0:32:26- ..but Say Something In Welsh - certainly boosted my confidence.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36- The difficult thing with Welsh - is the different accents.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- I adore the North Wales accent - but I can't always understand it!
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- If you want to - start to learn Welsh...
0:32:53 > 0:32:56- ..don't be shy - about using the language.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00- It doesn't matter - if you make mistakes.
0:33:00 > 0:33:02- Everyone understands.
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- Be confident and just speak.
0:33:07 > 0:33:09- Keep going.
0:33:12 > 0:33:12- .
0:33:20 > 0:33:20- *
0:33:20 > 0:33:22- Hello! I'm Craig ab Iago.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- In Pwt O Hanes, - I look at people and places...
0:33:25 > 0:33:29- ..which are part of the story - of Wales, past and present.
0:33:37 > 0:33:41- We all create a little bit - of history in our daily lives.
0:33:42 > 0:33:47- Things don't have to be old - or important to be historic.
0:33:48 > 0:33:53- Pictures or a collection of objects - tell their own story.
0:33:53 > 0:33:58- Lisa Gwilym went to look at - a very special collection.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- A collection of badges.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06- The man who's collected those badges - is Rhodri ap Dyfrig.
0:34:07 > 0:34:11- Rhodri, I can't wait to see - your collection of badges.
0:34:11 > 0:34:13- You still wear them too.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18- I got this one three weeks ago when - I took part in a photo marathon.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- Everyone who took part - received a badge.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- That's a new badge, - so where are the old ones?
0:34:27 > 0:34:29- Here they are, in this box.
0:34:29 > 0:34:31- The box is as old as the badges!
0:34:33 > 0:34:34- Shall we sit down?
0:34:34 > 0:34:36- Shall we sit down?- - Yes - go for it.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- Let's see them. - How many do you have in total?
0:34:39 > 0:34:42- There must be around 100 in there.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46- Socialism. Keep Left. Peace.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- Are you political?
0:34:49 > 0:34:51- Yes. I come from a political family.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54- I picked up badges wherever I went.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57- I'm proud of these badges.
0:34:57 > 0:35:00- Thatcher Out Of Wales.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02- Sbondonics!
0:35:02 > 0:35:04- Oh!
0:35:04 > 0:35:06- There's a mixture of things here.
0:35:07 > 0:35:09- There are political badges here...
0:35:09 > 0:35:13- ..but there are also badges - from my childhood.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14- Let's tip them out.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16- Yes - go for it!
0:35:17 > 0:35:18- You do it.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22- Wow!
0:35:22 > 0:35:24- Oh, Rhodri! I'm so jealous.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- This is one of my favourite badges.
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- Dolgellau Celtic Folk Festival.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35- My father was involved - with the festival when I was little.
0:35:35 > 0:35:39- This badge comes from 1980, - when I was only three years old.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45- They sold tickets from a caravan - on Dolgellau town square.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47- They gave away these badges.
0:35:47 > 0:35:50- I'm not sure if anyone else - has one of these.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53- These are still relevant today.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55- No Channel. No Licence.
0:35:57 > 0:35:59- Yes, it's funny - how things come back.
0:35:59 > 0:36:04- If you looked at that in the 1990s - you'd think it was old-fashioned.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- These days, - it's relevant once again.
0:36:08 > 0:36:13- Rhodri, thank you for sharing - your collection. I enjoyed it.
0:36:13 > 0:36:18- I had a similar collection but - I binned it a couple of months ago.
0:36:18 > 0:36:19- Are these for sale?
0:36:19 > 0:36:21- Are these for sale?- - No, sorry.
0:36:29 > 0:36:31- We've all written on paper.
0:36:32 > 0:36:37- Technology may have moved forward - but many of us still do that.
0:36:39 > 0:36:41- We use biros or pencils today...
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- ..but they used a pen and ink - in the old days.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- Have you ever wondered - where the ink came from?
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- Rhodri Llwyd Morgan - visited a forest near Bethesda...
0:36:52 > 0:36:54- ..in search of the answer.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58- Where would we be without ink?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01- The world would certainly be - all the poorer.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04- History is created every day...
0:37:05 > 0:37:07- ..and it must be recorded.
0:37:07 > 0:37:12- That's where these things - prove to be very important.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14- Nutgalls.
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- For around 1,400 years - in Europe, at least...
0:37:19 > 0:37:21- ..these were used to create ink.
0:37:21 > 0:37:23- Today, I'm going to make some.
0:37:25 > 0:37:28- I'm in an ancient oak woodland - near Bethesda.
0:37:28 > 0:37:32- To guide me through this process - is the naturalist, Twm Elias.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37- Come through to my workshop, Rhodri.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39- Come through to my workshop, Rhodri.- - It looks like a good spot!
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- Yes - this place has some character.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- We'll start with the nutgalls. - Crush them?
0:37:48 > 0:37:50- Yes. Put a handful in there.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55- This isn't easy!
0:37:59 > 0:38:01- I'm losing more than I'm crushing!
0:38:04 > 0:38:05- I think it's coming.
0:38:05 > 0:38:07- They're reasonably brittle.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- Once you've broken the shell, - it's fine.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13- They're now crushed.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- What's the next step?
0:38:16 > 0:38:18- You've crushed around 50g there.
0:38:18 > 0:38:23- Next, put that in 500ml of water - - rainwater, of course...
0:38:23 > 0:38:26- ..and boil it for three hours.
0:38:27 > 0:38:28- Three hours?
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- Yes, but to save time, - here's one I made earlier!
0:38:37 > 0:38:42- Who'd have believed Twm Elias would - turn into a Blue Peter presenter!
0:38:42 > 0:38:47- Never mind - it speeds up this - relatively slow process for you.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51- Take 50g of gum arabic...
0:38:53 > 0:38:55- ..and 50g of iron sulphate.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- Add hot water to both - and blend to a paste.
0:39:00 > 0:39:01- Is that smooth paste?
0:39:02 > 0:39:04- It looks a bit lumpy, Rhodri.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06- It looks a bit lumpy, Rhodri.- - It's as smooth as I can get it.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10- Pour both pastes into a jug...
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- ..then sieve the nutgall water - onto it.
0:39:16 > 0:39:21- Twm told me that a chemical reaction - would turn it blue-black, like ink.
0:39:22 > 0:39:23- That's real ink for you.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- Yes. I can see it has turned - blue-black, as you said it would.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33- Let's pour some of this - into a more suitable container.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36- Into the small bottle it goes.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- There we go.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43- We're ready to write a long speech.
0:39:43 > 0:39:47- Yes. Paper, pen, ink - and get writing.
0:39:49 > 0:39:50- Ink.
0:39:59 > 0:40:04- Church bells have rung out - across Wales for centuries.
0:40:06 > 0:40:08- We can hear the bells from afar.
0:40:08 > 0:40:13- They carry the simple message - - come to church for the service.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- What about - the people who ring the bells?
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- Who are they - and what skills must they possess?
0:40:20 > 0:40:22- Ringing one bell isn't easy...
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- ..but if you want to ring - more than one bell...
0:40:26 > 0:40:32- ..you must be a team player - and practise, practise, practise.
0:40:32 > 0:40:35- Lisa Gwilym - learned about bell-ringing...
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- ..in Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth.
0:40:40 > 0:40:42- CHURCH BELL
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- Whether or not you're religious...
0:40:48 > 0:40:52- ..hearing church bells ring on - a Sunday morning can be enjoyable.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55- For those of us - who are still in bed...
0:40:55 > 0:41:00- ..spare a thought for bell-ringers - who get up early to ring the bells.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- This is the Church Of St Padarn - in Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth.
0:41:07 > 0:41:10- This building is steeped in history.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16- At one time, it was at the heart - of the largest parish in Wales.
0:41:17 > 0:41:21- Dafydd ap Gwilym refers to it - in his poem, Merched Llanbadarn...
0:41:21 > 0:41:26- ..and William Morgan was - the vicar here in the 16th century.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30- Tonight, I'll ring the ancient bells - of Llanbadarn myself...
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- ..but there's someone already at it.
0:41:34 > 0:41:35- Hi, Gerald!
0:41:35 > 0:41:37- Hi, Gerald!- - Hello, Lisa.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38- You had an early start.
0:41:40 > 0:41:42- Have you finished ringing the bells?
0:41:42 > 0:41:43- Have you finished ringing the bells?- - Yes, for now.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45- I'm here to have a go myself.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49- Well, not with me. - You need a professional with you.
0:41:50 > 0:41:52- I can show you the bells though.
0:41:52 > 0:41:53- Follow me.
0:41:54 > 0:41:55- I'd better go first.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04- The famous bells.
0:42:05 > 0:42:07- Yes - the 11 bells of Llanbadarn.
0:42:07 > 0:42:09- Yes - the 11 bells of Llanbadarn.- - There are 11 bells here?
0:42:10 > 0:42:15- It's a ten-bell ring, but the - extra bell allows us to change key.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- What was the bells' purpose?
0:42:21 > 0:42:25- Originally, to strike the time - for people to attend a service...
0:42:25 > 0:42:30- ..and to announce a funeral - or a wedding ceremony.
0:42:30 > 0:42:35- Bells were also rung on national - occasions such as victory in war...
0:42:35 > 0:42:37- ..or an enemy landing.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39- The original bells were simple.
0:42:40 > 0:42:45- You pulled the rope to swing the - bell and make the tongue strike.
0:42:45 > 0:42:47- That's all there was to it.
0:42:47 > 0:42:52- Someone, somewhere in England in the - second half of the 17th century...
0:42:52 > 0:42:55- ..invented this - far more complex system...
0:42:55 > 0:42:59- ..which created - a far more striking effect.
0:42:59 > 0:43:01- When you pull the rope...
0:43:01 > 0:43:07- ..the wheel and the bell turn - just beyond 360 degrees...
0:43:08 > 0:43:10- ..and the bell strikes once.
0:43:12 > 0:43:16- You pull the rope again and - it swings back and strikes again.
0:43:16 > 0:43:21- What happens is one strike, one - strike, one strike, one strike...
0:43:21 > 0:43:23- ..as they go through the range.
0:43:23 > 0:43:28- The ringers change the order - according to the ring they need.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31- These rings can last - for a long time.
0:43:32 > 0:43:33- How long?
0:43:33 > 0:43:37- Well, you'll see a sign - down in the chamber...
0:43:37 > 0:43:41- ..noting that people have continued - to ring for hours on end...
0:43:41 > 0:43:45- ..to complete a sequence - of over 5,000 rings.
0:43:45 > 0:43:47- It's remarkable.
0:43:47 > 0:43:52- The people who live near this church - have suffered over the years!
0:43:59 > 0:44:02- We all enjoy going to the cinema.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06- Watching a film - can take us back in time...
0:44:06 > 0:44:09- ..or say something about the future.
0:44:09 > 0:44:13- Very often, - memories of going to the cinema...
0:44:13 > 0:44:15- ..take us back to our childhood.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19- Here's Manon Steffan Ross - in Tywyn cinema...
0:44:19 > 0:44:23- ..with memories of her childhood - and of her family.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29- I'm Manon Steffan Ross...
0:44:29 > 0:44:33- ..and a lot of my family history - is tied up with Tywyn Cinema.
0:44:37 > 0:44:42- I come from Rhiwlas, Bethesda. - I now live in Pennal, Bro Dysynni.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- Moving to this area was a little bit - like coming home for me.
0:44:47 > 0:44:49- It's wonderful to be back.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56- I feel at home.
0:44:56 > 0:45:00- I've sat here countless times - and seen all sorts of films.
0:45:04 > 0:45:09- One of my ancestors was a member of - the group which built this cinema...
0:45:09 > 0:45:12- ..or the Assembly Rooms, - as they then were.
0:45:13 > 0:45:15- His name was on a plaque outside.
0:45:15 > 0:45:20- My grandfather felt proud - when he saw the Price family name...
0:45:20 > 0:45:23- ..when he queued outside the cinema.
0:45:27 > 0:45:31- Even more importantly, - my grandparents met in this cinema.
0:45:32 > 0:45:36- Nain remember where she was sitting - - just behind me here.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- Nain was separated from Taid - by an empty seat.
0:45:39 > 0:45:43- She told me she couldn't concentrate - on the film...
0:45:43 > 0:45:46- ..because Taid - was so terribly handsome.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57- This cinema is an important part - of Tywyn's history.
0:45:58 > 0:46:03- A lot of military camps were built - in Tywyn during World War II...
0:46:03 > 0:46:08- ..and Taid remembers the cinema - showing two films per day.
0:46:10 > 0:46:14- There were queues outside and - the place was absolutely packed.
0:46:15 > 0:46:18- It was full of young men, of course.
0:46:18 > 0:46:23- They had busloads of women coming - here from Aberystwyth and Dolgellau.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- The cinema - was the heart of the community.
0:46:28 > 0:46:32- Coming here with Nain - is a wonderful experience.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- She talks about - how things were in the past.
0:46:37 > 0:46:42- In the old days, the toilets were - on either side of the screen.
0:46:42 > 0:46:45- You had to walk up onto the stage - to reach the toilet!
0:46:46 > 0:46:48- Nobody used the toilets!
0:46:55 > 0:47:00- I came here during school holidays - when I stayed with my grandparents.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04- There are pictures of the - Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin...
0:47:05 > 0:47:07- ..and Laurel And Hardy on the walls.
0:47:08 > 0:47:11- The picture of Harpo Marx - was really scary!
0:47:11 > 0:47:15- I remember avoiding - sitting too close to it!
0:47:19 > 0:47:21- Tywyn is a quiet town again today.
0:47:22 > 0:47:24- Places like this carry echoes...
0:47:25 > 0:47:28- ..of a time when the town - was extremely lively.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56- S4C subtitles by Eirlys A Jones
0:47:56 > 0:47:56- .